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Science News Archive September 2021


Page 33 of 40

Neanderthal genes tell us about how old our ancestors were when they had children

A new study using Neanderthal fragments suggests that generation intervals have fluctuated over the past 40,000 years, with human life history changing in response to environmental and cultural factors. The research found that Eurasian populations reproduced at a younger age than those in Europe, indicating a difference of 3-5 years in...

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The warming climate is causing animals to "shapeshift"

Researchers are studying how climate change is forcing animals to evolve and adapt, with changes in beak and ear sizes reported in birds and tail length increases in mice, experts warn that these changes may have unintended ecological consequences

‘ASCENT’ makes it easier to study the electrical stimulation of nerves

Researchers at Duke University have developed an open-source software platform called ASCENT that allows non-experts to create patient-specific, 3D models of nerves being electrically stimulated. This enables more accurate predictions and potentially new therapies for diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Next gen 3D printed catalysts to propel hypersonic flight

Researchers at RMIT University developed highly versatile, cost-effective 3D printed catalysts that could tackle the challenge of overheating in hypersonic aircraft. The new catalysts show promise for fuelling the future of hypersonic flight by simultaneously cooling the system.

Efficiency leap in separating para-xylene using new carbon membranes

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed improved carbon membranes that can efficiently separate para-xylene from its siblings, reducing energy consumption by up to three times. The breakthrough could lower energy costs in producing commodity chemicals and fuels.

Some like it hot: temperature determines the antiviral effect of Wolbachia

Researchers found that temperature during insect development impacts the protective effect of Wolbachia against viruses. Lower temperatures reduce protection, while higher temperatures enhance it. This discovery has significant implications for initiatives like the World Mosquito Program and understanding Wolbachia biology.

Why do people with diabetes develop severe COVID-19?

A study from Michigan Medicine found that people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop a cytokine storm during coronavirus infection due to the enzyme SETDB2. Administering interferon beta increased SETDB2 and decreased inflammatory cytokines in diabetic mice, offering potential therapy for severe COVID-19.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Optical techniques offer fast, efficient COVID-19 detection

Researchers developed lab-on-a-chip optical biosensors for real-time COVID-19 detection, overcoming low viral load challenges. These sensors utilize light beam interactions to detect viruses, enabling faster diagnosis and controlling outbreaks.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Educational Workshops May Bolster Women's Empowerment

Researchers found educational workshops improved women's household decision-making and financial literacy in Nigeria. The programs were most effective in areas where women were less active, but showed inconsistent results in other domains.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New York Tech researcher earns NSF grant to solve cosmic mystery

Physicist Eve Armstrong aims to understand the origins of elements heavier than iron using weather prediction technique data assimilation. With a two-year NSF EAGER grant, she and her team will predict whether supernova stardust gave rise to these heavy elements.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

These fridge-free COVID-19 vaccines are grown in plants and bacteria

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed COVID-19 vaccine candidates made from plant viruses and bacteriophages, which can be stored and shipped without refrigeration. These vaccines trigger high production of neutralizing antibodies in mice, offering a potential solution for global distribution efforts.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Officials leading hurricane response need ‘risk literacy’

A new study suggests that emergency management officials often lack the numeracy skills needed to make best evacuation decisions based on data. The most numerate officials provided additional evacuation times to their coastal communities, while less numerate ones gave less advance warning and over-evacuated tens of thousands more people.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Computer model may offer way to limit the spread of MRSA in hospitals

A new computer model developed by Columbia University researchers accurately predicts the likelihood of individuals being colonized with MRSA in hospital settings. The model identifies asymptomatic carriers, who are responsible for most of the spread, and suggests targeted interventions to control infections.

Safeguarding clean water for spaceflight missions

A team of researchers characterized different bacterial populations isolated from the International Space Station's potable water system, exploring their functional properties and long-term interactions. The study aimed to improve microbial risk assessments for human-built environments in space and on Earth.

Bird malaria spreading via global ‘hotspots’

Researchers have identified global hotspots where bird malaria is spreading rapidly, with significant impacts on bird populations. The study found that climate and forest conditions play a crucial role in predicting infection risks, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect bird species from this deadly disease.

Stable memory test scores for Alzheimer’s patients with omega-3 intake

Researchers found that patients taking omega-3 supplements showed stable memory function compared to those in the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in biomarkers in spinal fluid samples. The study provides valuable insights into the potential effects of omega-3 on Alzheimer's disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Walking with coffee is a little-understood feat of physics

Researchers at Arizona State University studied the physics behind humans balancing coffee while walking, revealing a natural mode of flexibility that mimics human motion. The findings can be used to design smart robots to adaptively handle complex objects in changing environments.

New study puts focus on early symptoms of Huntington’s disease

A new study from Lund University reveals that psychiatric and cognitive symptoms emerge at an early stage in Huntington's disease, highlighting the importance of targeting the emotional brain. Researchers identify changes in oligodendrocytes and white matter in the limbic system, suggesting a need for new treatment approaches.

Aging: It’s more complicated than we thought

A study found that boosting a cellular response to misfolded proteins actually shortens lifespan, contradicting previous research. The discovery highlights the complexity of aging and suggests new targets for disease prevention.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Black and Mexican American adults develop diabetes at a younger age

A new study found that non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American adults are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at an average age of 46-47 years old, four to seven years earlier than non-Hispanic white adults. Preventive measures such as nutrition counseling and physical-activity programs can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.

Older patients benefit from cancer immunotherapies

Researchers analyzed large datasets to find biomarkers that could help select immunotherapy treatment for older patients. The analysis suggests that factors such as mutational burden and immune checkpoint protein expression are associated with increased response to immunotherapies in older patients, despite lower general immunity.

'Flying' geckos use their heads and tails to crash-land safely

A study published in Nature's Communications Biology reveals how geckos steer in mid-air and stabilise landings using their heads and tails. Researchers found that a shorter tail length results in increased adhesive foot force, crucial for successful vertical landing.

Experimental opioid vaccine is being tested at Columbia

Researchers are developing a vaccine to prevent oxycodone use disorder, which affects half of those treated with existing medications. The experimental vaccine has shown promise in preclinical studies and is now being tested in a phase 1a/1b clinical trial at Columbia University.

Babies wanted: Males need not apply

Researchers at Kyoto University have made a groundbreaking discovery by creating functional sperm cells from mouse pluripotent stem cells. The breakthrough has significant implications for male fertility and reproduction, providing a new model for generating male germ cells in a test tube.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

How land birds cross the open ocean

Researchers tracked five species of large land birds flying nonstop over the open ocean, exploiting wind and uplift conditions to save energy. The study reveals that many land birds rely on atmospheric support to complete their migrations, making them vulnerable to climate change.

RSNA publishes new QIBA profile for knee cartilage MRI

The new QIBA profile provides a framework for evaluating the reliability of cartilage compositional imaging measurements, including T1rho and T2 mapping. It establishes minimum detectable changes in these values, enabling early detection of cartilage abnormalities and potentially preventing osteoarthritis.

Some coral reefs are keeping pace with ocean warming

Researchers found that coral communities in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) are recovering from past heatwaves, with heat-tolerant offspring repopulating the reefs. This study provides a source of hope for coral reef conservation and restoration, highlighting the potential for some reefs to keep pace with ocean warming.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Environmental monitoring of organic pollutants using plants

Scientists at Kobe University have created plants that can identify polychlorinated biphenyls and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which contaminate soil and water. The plant-based method offers a convenient and inexpensive way to monitor toxicity levels.

New VA Merit Review grant to research binge drinking

A $992,000 VA Merit Review grant will fund research on non-neuronal activity after binge drinking to understand its impact on synaptic dysfunction and alcohol use disorder. The study aims to identify novel mechanisms, specifically astrocytes, involved in the dysregulation of neuronal activity.

Surroundings affect rhythm of an individual’s walk, according to new study

A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that people's comfort in their surroundings affects their walking patterns, with those feeling relaxed having regular stepping patterns regardless of environment. The study suggests well-designed urban environments can benefit wellbeing, concentration, and attention similar to natu...

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.